PremierLeaguePreview
Leicester City
Manager: Nigel Pearson
Captain: Wes Morgan
13/14 position: 1st (CHAMPIONS)
Top League Goalscorer: David Nugent, 20
After the playoff heartbreak against Watford, where Troy Deeney volleyed in injury time just seconds after Anthony Knockaert’s missed penalty, you could almost forgive Leicester if they didn’t get off to the best of starts the following season.
But the Foxes rallied and used the frustration on the other 23 teams in the division by completely dominating the second tier, scoring plenty of goals whilst keeping clean sheets a plenty. Their blend of youth plus experience in the likes of Morgan and top-scorer David Nugent meant they broke the 100 point barrier and won the division at a canter.
It’s been ten years since Leicester dropped through the Premier League trapdoor, and even had a spell in the third tier after a disastrous 07–08. But Nigel Pearson has wisely built his team over the last few years. The likes of Danny Drinkwater, Knockaert, Kasper Schmeichel and Jamie Vardy make up a team that with youth should at least entertain and excite.
The only worry is that because of the ease that Leicester won the Championship, that they underestimate just how big a gap it is between the Premier League and the league they just left. So far, the only sure-fire top flight player the Foxes have brought is in Marc Albrighton on a free, and £8m for Leonardo Ulloa is a gamble at £8m. The signings in the next few weeks will be crucial, but anything north of 17th should be seen as a success. A lack of Premier League sure-fire ability is a concern. 18th
FANS OPINION: Chris Whiting @ChrisRWhiting
What is your idea of a good season for your club?
A good season for us would be 17th or above. I think many of us harbour ambitions of finishing somewhere between 11th and 14th but as long as we’re not below the dreaded dotted line, we’ll be satisfied.
Worst case scenario?
The worst case scenario is relegation pure and simple. Having waited so long, it would be a real blow to go straight back down, that being said — I’m not sure that even relegation would be terminal.
Best player?
Danny Drinkwater — I’d argue he was the best player in the second tier last term, even above Ings and McCormack, his work and quality in midfield was a huge positive for us last season. I think he’ll grab a few headlines next season.
Player you’d happily drive to his next club?
Last season was a real team effort so I’m not sure there are any weak links I’d be desperate to get rid of. I don’t think many of us would miss Conrad Logan, he’s still a bit of an enigma after ten years at the club.
Fans hero?
Anthony Knockaert’s passion and Marcin Wasilewski’s elbows are forever popular in the terraces, although I don’t expect the latter to feature much. Jamie Vardy’s parties will probably remain a stalwart on Filbert Way next season too.
If you could pick, who would you want your team to do the double over this year?
Tough one, this. We only have very minor feuds with Villa, Chelsea and Hull in this league so a double over them wouldn’t be particularly satisfying on a club level. But on a team level, six points against any of the top seven would be a dream.
League winners?
Chelsea — Mourinho won’t have been happy to have finished third last year and their transfer business looks to have been clever. It won’t be entertaining, but they should be efficient enough to take the crown.
Relegated?
I think time might run out for Aston Villa this year, they’ve been on the edge for a few seasons now. West Brom’s fate was sealed for me at the back end of last season. In my view, they’re a club waiting to be relegated. QPR haven’t really impressed in the transfer window and last season’s underachieving squad is definitely not good enough for the top flight.
Surprise package?
I’d like to say we’ll be the surprise packages as I really fancy us to do well. But in the interest of retaining a bit of humility, I think Swansea could be close to the top half again.
Who will win the golden boot?
Leonardo Ulloa. Why not?